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#BS-2016-HYUSON-2EF22016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In HybridProblems, Recalls & Reliability
Based on reports from 43 owners and 2 recalls for this exact model.
Data updated ·NHTSA complaints through October 19, 2026
Preliminary Verdict
Proceed with Caution
Based on 43 complaints, 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 2 recalls. This is the worst model year for this vehicle.
Top reported problems
hybrid malfunction alert
5 complaints • Severity 8.4/10
check engine light on
2 complaints • Severity 4/10
transmission shifting rough
2 complaints • Severity 6/10
heater stopped working
1 complaints • Severity 4/10
dash cluster warning lights on
1 complaints • Severity 4/10
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Mechanic Inspection Checklist
18 owners reported engine issues — failures commonly reported around 26K miles.
Failure Timeline by Mileage
Peak failure range: 0–30K miles (18 reports) • Median: 26K miles
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Engine (18 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Engine Issues
Engine complaints account for 42% of all reports filed for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid, with 18 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 26,200 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 26K-mile mark.
Electrical Issues
Electrical complaints account for 28% of all reports filed for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid, with 12 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to electrical-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Hybrid Propulsion System Issues
Hybrid Propulsion System complaints account for 7% of all reports filed for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid, with 3 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to hybrid propulsion system-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Drivetrain Issues
Drivetrain complaints account for 7% of all reports filed for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid, with 3 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to drivetrain-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Complaint trend by year
Complaints filed with NHTSA by year for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid. Recent trend: stable.
Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (2 recalls)
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Sonata, 2016-2017 Sonata Hybrid, and Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The Smart Junction Box (SJB) software logic may not properly interpret the signals received from the multifunction switch, which could cause the turn signal to activate in the opposite direction of what the driver intended.
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
NHTSA Defect Investigations (2)
All closed. Investigations are how NHTSA decides whether a defect needs a recall.
Loss of Motive Power
ENGINE
Pedestrian alert sounds
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM
This is the worst model year for the Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid according to owner complaint data. The biggest problem area is electrical.
2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vs. Class Average (Midsize Cars)
This vehicle
43
Class avg
190
Below the class average — fewer complaints than typical midsize cars vehicles. A good sign.
Complaint counts correlate with sales volume — popular vehicles naturally generate more reports. The full report normalizes for this.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 43 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 2 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Last updated . NHTSA complaints received through October 19, 2026.
Other Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid Model Years
View all Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid years →2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid?
Is the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid reliable?
How much does it cost to fix 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid problems?
Does the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid have any recalls?
What mileage do Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid problems start?
When was the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid data last updated?
What’s in the full report?
How is this different from free NHTSA data?
How is this different from Carfax?
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Get the Full 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid Report
10 sections of AI analysis based on 43 owner reports. Know before you buy.